Leader of Portsmouth’s City of Culture bid resigns

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THE man leading Portsmouth’s bid for City of Culture status has stepped down to move to a new job.

Dom Kippin has resigned after being offered a job working for Poole Borough Council’s arts department.

He has accepted the role because it is closer to his home in Bournemouth.

Mr Kippin steps down from the council today and Portsmouth’s poet laureate Sam Cox will now focus on putting forward Portsmouth’s application to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Dom’s position as the council’s literature officer will now be made vacant and it is unknown whether it will be filled by someone else.

Dom said: ‘I have done this for personal reasons.

‘I have found a job closer to home and I have a young family that I want to see more of.

‘It will be with Poole Borough Council’s arts development team.

Speaking of his time with Portsmouth City Council, Dom said: ‘I have loved every moment of it and I will continue to support the city’s bid to become the UK City of Culture. I am confident the bid is being left in safe hands and I will be keeping a close eye on it.’

Portsmouth is entering a joint bid with Southampton to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2017.

Stephen Baily, head of city development and cultural services, said: ‘Dom should be so proud of what he’s achieved in Portsmouth - Poole is incredibly lucky to have him on board.

‘I know it was a really difficult decision for him to leave, especially as such exciting plans are becoming a reality. We’re very fortunate to have many talented and experienced people working on the bid, there is a strong leadership team in place to continue with the hard work.’

*This story was updated on June 7, 2013 to include the quote from Mr Baily.